Dive Into Drenching: A Bold Paint Trend DIYers Will Love

What’s All the Buzz About?

If you scroll through social media, you’ll likely see color drenching taking over—from intimate powder rooms fully enveloped in soft green to spacious living rooms washed in deep blues. More than a home fashion fad, color drenching has become a trusted technique DIYers are turning to for an expressive yet polished look. Instead of choosing contrasting walls and trim, color drenching opts for uniformity, letting a single color take center stage and delivering a mood that’s undeniably bold and cohesive.

The beauty of color drenching lies in its versatility. Not only can it work in small spaces, making them feel bigger and more cohesive, but in larger rooms it can add a dramatic flair that’s grounded and enveloping. Whether in a serene, muted palette or a high-gloss jewel tone, color drenching delivers that “wow factor.”

For those inspired by the trend, here is a way to make a stylish impact without complex designs or a massive budget. All it takes is quality paint, the right tools and a bit of commitment.

Crafting Color Cohesion

By focusing on preparation, tool choice and technique, you’ll be equipped to create a color-drenched space that feels intentional and expertly crafted. Here’s how to ensure each stroke and section aligns perfectly:

1. Start with Smart Prep: The foundation of a smooth, no-drip finish begins long before the paint hits the wall. Clean, repair and sand your surface thoroughly for the best results. Dutch Boy® Platinum® Plus Interior Paint + Primer is a time-saver, with its no-prime, no-sand formula designed for direct application on sound, previously painted surfaces. This paint combines stain-shield and anti-scuff technology to create a tough, lasting finish.

2. Choose Quality Tools: When it comes to a professional finish, your choice of brushes and rollers can make all the difference. Purdy® XL® High Capacity™ brushes are equipped with medium-stiff filaments that hold and release paint smoothly, meaning they adapt to a variety of surfaces with ease. For the broader strokes, Purdy’s WhiteDove™ roller covers provide a smooth, lint-free and uniform finish that keeps your project looking clean and consistent.

3. Master Your Paint Application: Drips often happen when too much paint is loaded onto the brush or roller—a common misstep for many DIYers. For a no-drip approach, dip just one-third of the bristles into the paint and tap off any excess. Then, as you paint, apply consistent, even pressure to spread it smoothly and avoid uneven patches.

4. Divide and Conquer: Large jobs can feel overwhelming, but breaking the surface into 3'x3' sections makes it manageable. Begin each section by cutting in with a fully loaded brush, holding it parallel to the edge you’re painting. Let the bristles fan out, and carefully guide them along the line. Repeat this until you’ve achieved a clean, precise cut line, ready to be filled in for a drip-free finish.

Bringing It All Together

One of the best aspects of color drenching is that it can suit almost any room. Here are a few pointers on where a single-color solution can have the most impact:

• Bathrooms and Powder Rooms
Color drenching is especially striking in bathrooms, where a color can amplify the cozy, intimate feel. Mid-tone blues, like Dutch Boy® Paints Mapped Blue (429-7DB) for instance, can give a timeless and elegant touch.

• Bedrooms and Living Rooms
For larger spaces, like bedrooms and living rooms, color drenching creates a serene, cohesive atmosphere. A soft blue or green can be tranquil, while deeper navy shades like Dutch Boy® Paints’ Midnight Bliss (338-6DB) creates a moody and sophisticated aesthetic that is perfect for relaxation.

• Home Offices and Reading Nook
Side rooms and tucked-away spaces, often overlooked, can also shine with color drenching. A home office or reading nook fully enveloped in a warm, inviting shade like Dutch Boy® Paints’ Ambered Honey (113-7DB) creates a cozy yet energizing atmosphere.

Why DIYers Love Dutch Boy® Paints’ Mapped Blue

Dutch Boy’s® 2025 Color of the Year, Mapped Blue, has been a popular pick for color drenching, giving rooms a rich, versatile hue with soft yellow undertones that shift with the light.

Take it from Instagram influencer @builtbybecdesigns, who transformed her bathroom into a moody, elegant retreat. In this space, the shade appears to change with the lighting, sometimes leaning soft and welcoming, other times offering a more intense, sophisticated vibe. For those new to color drenching, this adaptability is essential, as it ensures the room feels fresh no matter the time of day.

Embrace the Drench

Color drenching might seem bold, but it’s a trend DIYers can easily bring home. It’s about embracing color wholeheartedly, transforming a space with just a few coats of paint and the right technique. So grab a brush, pick your shade and go all-in for a room that’s anything but ordinary.